Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Baked Chicken Breast is a juicy and tender recipe, which uses simple seasonings like salt and pepper. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 35 minutes.
Pioneer Woman Baked Chicken Breast Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil, plus more for the pan
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 8 ounces each)
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
How To Make Pioneer Woman Baked Chicken Breast
- Preheat and prep the pan: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Brush a rimmed baking sheet with a thin layer of olive oil.
- Season the chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil until they are lightly coated.
- Arrange and bake: Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Season generously on all sides with salt and pepper. Bake for about 25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until the chicken is just cooked through.
- Rest and serve: Transfer the cooked chicken to a platter or cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps keep the chicken juicy.
Recipe Tips
- How to get the juiciest chicken? The two most important tips are not to overbake the chicken and to let it rest after baking. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F. The 5-minute rest allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Can I use other seasonings? Absolutely. This is a perfect base recipe. Feel free to add other seasonings along with the salt and pepper, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or your favorite dried herbs like rosemary or thyme.
- How do I know when the chicken is done? The most reliable way is to use an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast. It should register 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, the juices should run clear when pierced.
- Can I use bone-in chicken? Yes, but you will need to increase the baking time. Bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts will likely need 35-45 minutes to cook through.
What To Serve With Baked Chicken Breast
This simple baked chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with almost anything.
- Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts
- Creamy mashed potatoes or a baked sweet potato
- A fresh garden salad or Caesar salad
- Rice pilaf, quinoa, or pasta
How To Store Baked Chicken Breast
- Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s perfect for slicing and using in salads, sandwiches, or wraps.
- Freeze: The cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Baked Chicken Breast Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (8 oz)
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 66g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Why is my baked chicken breast always dry?
Dryness is almost always caused by overcooking. Chicken breast is very lean and can dry out quickly. Use a meat thermometer to pull it from the oven as soon as it reaches 165°F, and always let it rest before slicing.
Should I cover the chicken with foil when baking?
No, it’s best to bake the chicken uncovered. This allows the outside to get a nice, lightly browned color. Covering it will trap steam and the chicken will steam rather than roast.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
This is one of the best recipes for meal prep. You can bake a batch at the beginning of the week and use the sliced or diced chicken for quick lunches and dinners like salads, pasta dishes, quesadillas, and sandwiches.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Fried Chicken Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Blueberry Chicken Salad Recipe
Pioneer Woman Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Description
A simple, foolproof method for baking perfectly juicy, tender, and flavorful chicken breasts every single time, making it a versatile staple for any meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F and brush a baking sheet with olive oil.
- Toss chicken breasts in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Arrange chicken on the baking sheet and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Bake for about 25 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to lock in the juices.
Notes
- u003cliu003eFor even cooking, you can pound the thicker end of the chicken breasts so they are a more uniform thickness.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003ePatting the chicken dry with a paper towel before tossing it with oil can help it brown better in the oven.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eDon’t skip the resting step! It’s crucial for ensuring the chicken is moist and tender.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFeel free to experiment with different spice blends to customize the flavor.u003c/liu003e
